In an interview with the American television network Fox News, US President Donald Trump indicated that his government should reduce tariffs on coffee imports as a way to make the product cheaper for Americans.
Since a 50% tax was imposed on Brazilian products like coffee, the product has become more expensive for Americans, putting pressure on inflation in the United States. Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of grains and is responsible for supplying a large portion of the US market.
In the video clip of the interview, posted on the Fox News website this evening, he indicates that he should reduce “some tariffs” on the product, which could mean putting it on the already long list of exceptions to tariffs against Brazil.
When asked about the impact of tariff policy on product prices for Americans, Trump acknowledged isolated problems and pointed to meat, another Brazilian product subject to taxes. But he said the US economy has never been stronger and has reduced inflationary problems.
“We’re doing exceptionally well, and this is the best economy we’ve ever had,” Trump said, acknowledging there were some “one-time” problems.
-The only thing (the only problem) is the meat. The meat is a little higher because the (American) ranchers are in good shape.
The interviewer interrupted by saying that coffee is more expensive in the United States too. Then Trump responds:
– Coffee, we will reduce some tariffs and we will have some coffee – said the US President, adding that he would make “surgical” changes to tariffs and that prices in the United States were heading down.
The price rose by more than 20% for Americans
Since Trump imposed an additional 40% tariff on Brazilian products for political reasons in August, on top of the 10% “reciprocal” tariff imposed in March, US coffee prices have skyrocketed. It rose by 21% between August 2024 and August 2025 in the United States, the world’s largest coffee market. Brazil provides 30% of the unroasted grains consumed in the United States.
In New York cafes, business estimates indicate an increase in consumer prices of up to 55%. According to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cicafe), shipments to the United States fell by approximately 53% in September, compared to the previous year.
American importers are turning to other producers, such as Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Ethiopia. However, Brazil is the largest producer and these countries are unable to provide the entire supply. As the demand for coffee is imbalanced in the American economy, its price rises.
The interview was not Trump’s first indication that he might reduce tariffs on coffee instead of suspending all tariffs on Brazil.
He recently added the product to the list of items that American farmers do not grow in sufficient quantities to be able to be exempt from tariffs, along with tea and cocoa, which are exempt regardless of country of origin. In Congress, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are jointly sponsoring a bill aimed at protecting coffee products.
At the end of October, even before the meeting between Presidents Trump and Lula in Malaysia to start trade negotiations, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin told businessmen and representatives of entities in the coffee sector that Brazilian coffee, currently affected by the 50% tariff, is on Brazil’s list of priorities.
In Malaysia, Lula asked Trump to immediately suspend the tariffs, but in Itamaraty, Brazil’s plan B is to expand the list of products exempt from tariffs, starting with products that Donald Trump himself has already listed as potential exceptions because they are “natural resources not available” in the United States.
On September 5, the US President updated prices and introduced a 109-page annex for products that could be exempt from tariffs because they are not available domestically.
Coffee, iron and steel, and beef are among the main products on the list of Brazilian exports to the USA, and they continue to be affected by tariffs.
About The Author
